The youngster looked to have his horrible injury woes behind him as he played every week for Arsenal since the turn of the year. However, he has been troubled a bit by a niggle on his ankle, which was scanned and it was decided that will require surgery.

The 21-year old is scheduled to go under the knife after the Gunners’ final game of the season at Newcastle United next week. Also, the involvement of Wilshere in that game and tonight’s game against Wigan Athletic seems to be in question, as Wenger has revealed that he will only use the midfielder if there is a dire need.

With England playing Republic of Ireland on May 29th followed by a trip to Rio de Janeiro to face Brazil on June 2nd, it is absolutely certain that Wilshere will miss the two friendlies. Wenger confirmed this by saying, “It is a very small operation. It will not be a problem but he will miss the England games. Is he disappointed not to play in Brazil? Of course, but he can go there next year for the World Cup.”

Arsenal could be the ultimate benefactors from Wilshere’s injury, as his omission from the two England games will mean that he will have an entire summer to rest and come back in the best possible shape for the new season.

The Spanish international has fallen out of favor at Nou Camp this season, and has found his place on the bench more often than not. Spending time watching on as a substitute has not helped his cause, as he is looking to play regular football in a bid to up his chances to be included in the Spanish squad for next year’s World Cup in Brazil.

The 31-year old’s situation had attracted Arsenal in January, and manager Arsene Wenger had reportedly attempted to bring the striker to the Emirates Stadium, however Barcelona blatantly refused to sell Villa in the middle of the season but were open to selling him in the summer, provided any interested suitor met their valuation.

There is a high chance of Arsenal going for Villa again in the summer in a bid to strengthen their squad. However, they are now facing strong competition from their neighbors Tottenham, who have suddenly become favorites to land him.

Tottenham are desperate to bring a big name signing to White Hart Lane over the summer in a bid to convince their star man Gareth Bale of their ambitions, and to possibly keep hold on him for next season.

Which of these bitter rivals will win the race for the Spanish hotshot?

The French international’s current contract at Arsenal has run into his final year, and negotiations over a renewal have been unsuccessful on every occasion. This has given fodder to the rumor mills who have been quick to link Sagna with a move away from the Emirates Stadium.

There were initial reports suggesting French mega-rich Paris Saint-Germain as the 31-year old’s new destination, however these stories have been diluted over the last few weeks.

Arsenal have faced the situation of their players running into their final year of the contract way too many times, and this time it looks like they have learnt something from it, as they have already lined up a replacement for Sagna in the form of German outfit Dortmund’s Piszczek.

The Polish full-back has impressed this season in the Bundesliga, however he could very likely be the next big player to join the massive exodus from Dortmund, following the transfer of Mario Gotze to Bayern Munich and the imminent departure of Robert Lewandowski.

If Sagna does quit Arsenal, they will be in a position to immediately replace him by Piszczek. Though nothing concrete has evolved in Sagna’s contract talks lately, we will keep you afloat of this matter as soon as there are some developments.

The 6-foot-4 German has progressed through the ranks of the Bundesliga outfit and has made 147 appearances in all competitions for Stuttgart.

Ulreich, 24, has featured in all of Stuttgart’s last 100 games and this consistency has attracted Arsenal’s attention.

German newspaper, Bild reported the presence of Arsenal scouts in Stuttgart’s 2-1 win over Freiburg on April 21 where Ulrich impressed.

However, the German shot-stopper still has four-years left to run on his existing deal and the club’s sporting director, Freidi Bobic insists he is not for sale.

‘I hear now for the first time he is on their list, but he has a long contract, he is our number one. Therefore, there is no discussion,’ said the former Bolton striker.

Wenger is also considering moves for Asmir Begovic of Stoke City, Simon Mignolet from Sunderland and Hamburg’s Rene Adler as he looks to strengthen this department.

Arsenal have been scouting the prolific winger in recent seasons and with the Gunners’ front-line performing in patches this term, Navas might prove to be the ideal solution to Wenger’s attacking woes.

However, the Gunners are set to face serious competition for the Spanish international as German newspaper Bild reported that Dortmund are interested in bringing him to the Bundesliga. With talismanic midfielder, Mario Gotze set to join Bayern Munich in the summer, Jurgen Klopp needs a replacement and believes Navas could be the one to fill the void.

The 27-year old has spent his entire career at Sevilla. However, he recently admitted to uncertainty about his future at the club and a bid in the region of £17million has been reported to be enough to lure the Spaniard away.

The German midfielder is regarded very highly in top circles in the German Bundesliga, and is considered as one of the hottest European prospects in the coming years. Draxler’s stock has risen exponentially this season following a string of eye catching displays for his club.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is believed to be a keen admirer of the 19-year old after keeping a close watch on him by having him scouted intensely. It was reported that the Frenchman was toying with the idea of making a summer bid for the play maker.

However, signing Draxler will not be a stroll in the park for Wenger, after it has been reported by talkSPORT that UEFA Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund too have sounded out their interest in him. Dortmund are set to lose star midfielder Mario Gotze to their Champions League final opponents and fierce domestic rivals, Bayern Munich. Thus, they are looking for a replacement and have zereod in on Draxler as an ideal replacement for Gotze.

Schalke’s general manager Horst Heldt too has confirmed their interest as he spoke to Bild and said, ”For some time, Borussia Dortmund have been working on [trying to sign] Draxler. It is something that does not surprise me given that Julian is one of the best players in the Bundesliga.”

The 28-year-old Wales international has had an eye-catching season for the Swans as he drove them to Capital One Cup success and an impressive mid-table finish.

Williams, who joined the Swans in 2008 after a short loan spell, has recently signed a contract extension which keeps him at the club until 2015. But the reliable defender who has gone from strength to strength this campaign is wanted by Arsenal and Liverpool who are hoping to bring him in, this summer.

With Jamie Carragher set to retire at the end of this term and Martin Skrtel’s future uncertain, Brendan Rodgers is eager to restrengthen his defence and former club-mate, Williams tops his wishlist.

Arsenal too are thought to be stepping up their interest in the centre-half who is being seen as a potential replacement for under-fire skipper, Thomas Vermaelen.

However, Swansea seem to be in no mood to negotiate as they warn off suitors by slapping a £10million price tag on their captain.

The Gunners have had a long relationship with Nike which began in 1994 and lasted almost 20 years, but have now opted to take a profitable deal with Puma, who also represent Barclays Premier League club Newcastle United.

The deal comes in the wake of Liverpool signing a mega deal with American kit sponsors Warrior Sports, estimated to be worth £25 million yearly. Arsenal’s deal is spread over five seasons and is reportedly worth £30 million yearly.

Nike, who will be disappointed to break their tie with the London club, will provide kits for the 2013/2014 season being their last according to their current seven year contract.

It will be interesting to see how the Gunners faithful take to the deal, but they certainly would not mind extra cash being available for transfers if the deal helps in the same.

Terry grew into the confident defender he is under the guidance of Mourinho, who managed Chelsea for three glorious seasons. Chelsea played 185 matches under Mourinho, and won an impressive 124 including two Barclays Premier League titles and one FA Cup.

According to Sky Sports, Terry explained, “Jose has a great relationship with our fans as we won the Premier League and other titles with him. They have clearly shown he is the man they want after everything he won and, for them, he is still the Special One.

“I can’t say too much because he is still under contract with Real Madrid, where he’s been winning trophies and now has the chance to win the Copa del Rey this season.

“But he’s a top manager who I really enjoyed working under.”

While Chelsea fans are already looking at next season under Jose Mourinho, the owner and management are trying to provide the best possible players at the disposal of the current Real Madrid manager. Neymar has been a target for the best clubs in the world, including Chelsea, and reports emerging in Brazil suggested this summer could finally see the player move to his next club.

Although Barcelona seem to be in the lead to sign the 21-year old superstar, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is reportedly ready to break the bank to sign the best possible players, including Radamel Falcao and Neymar.

According to talkSPORT, Neymar’s father said, “You keep insisting on something that does not exist, we have no offers. Neymar will stay [at Santos] until 2014.”

“He is under contract with Santos until 2014. So at the very least he will stay until then.”